Efficacy of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy on Depression Among Children with Learning Disabilities: Implications for Evaluation in Science Teaching

Owing to the prevalence of mental health issues among Nigerian in-school children, the effect of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy's (REBT) efficacy on depression management among children with learning disabilities (LD) in inclusive classrooms in Nigeria was explored. Using a sample of 48 children with LD, the researchers conducted true experimental research. The participants were randomised into experimental (n = 24) and control (n = 24) groups. The Wide Range Achievement Test and Children's Depression Inventory were used as instruments for the study. The intervention program lasted for approximately 3 months. Data were quantitatively analyzed using analysis of variance of a special case. Hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 level of significance. It was therefore revealed that the level of depression of the participants who were exposed to CBT decreased significantly at posttest and follow-up measures than those who were not so exposed. Thus, REBT is very effective in reducing the level of depression among children with learning disabilities.